Billy Dog

The Billy is a breed of very large and active scenthound from France. With a dwindling population at present, this dog was extensively used as a pack dog for hunting purposes. They have a broad and tall structure with a large head, almond-shaped eyes, wide, floppy ears, light-colored nose, broad chest, sturdy legs and a long, thick tail.

Billy Dog Pictures

History & Development

The creation of the Billy Dog dates back to the 19th century in Central Western France by Monsieur Gaston Hublot de Rivault. They are a genetic combination of the presently extinct breeds – Montemboeuf, Ceris, and Larye. The fox blood was also mixed to keep the line fresh.

During this time, keeping large dogs by French monarchs was a fashionable thing, with Kings including Francois I and Louis XIV having scenthounds as their pets. The breed gets its name from the Chateau de Billy, which was the residence of de Rivault.

Just before the World War II, the entire pack of Billies had gone extinct, with only two individuals remaining. Later, de Rivault’s son Anthony added the Porcelaine, the Harrier, and the Poitevin strains to the bloodline to take a chance for the revival of the breed. The result was a success, and the dog survived, though it continued to remain rare like before.

In 1886, the breed standard of the Billy was first established. Interestingly, in the latter half of the 19^th century, the Billy dog contributed to the foundation of another breed – the ‘Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Orange’ dog.

Temperament and Behavior

The Billy dog has an elegant, loyal and obedient disposition. It would adhere to the service of its master and his family. Though they have a gentle and kind nature, owners have reported them to act contentious with its pack mates, and even with other non-canines if they get a chance. At times, it might get distracted on spotting a scent, and controlling it becomes extremely difficult if unleashed then.

Billies share a good rapport with children as well as other pets in the family when raised together. They have a friendly demeanor, in general, and would quickly mingle with strangers and guests, a trait that makes them a poor guard dog. Their inborn nature of staying active all day makes it less suitable for leading a confined life in the apartment.

Training

• As a scent hound, they would keep following scents on and often, hence leash training since its puppy days is of utmost importance. Every time you put its leash, never forget to pat its back or give a long hug, or even a treat. Your dog loves you and would associate its accepting of the leash with winning your love and attention (and of course a treat).
• Teach it the primary come back, sit down, wait, or halt, one by one, right from its puppy days. When it is successful in picking up a command, use the same treat and treat trick. Use one command for each of its action, and use it in particular for specific situations, e.g., once you find it lost sniffing and following a trail, call it back using a command like ‘come back’ and use that particular command when it does the same thing, the next time. Otherwise, your dog might get confused and not respond to the commands promptly.
• If you think your Billy puppy will live in a pack, it is best if you let the members grow up together. This would ward off possibilities of regular brawls or development of any contentious instincts in future.

Diet/Feeding

It will need about 3 to 4 cups of dry dog food daily. Make sure, it is getting the appropriate nutrition, especially when it is growing up. You can also serve them raw meat, chicken, and semi-cooked fishes like herring or salmon.

Interesting Facts

• In France, presently there are a few Billy dog packs for hunting roe deer, and two packs are used to hunt wild boar.
• Billies were said to be the last dog to have descended from a large-size scent hound.